After a 10-year hiatus, FMCA returns to scenic Redmond, Oregon, for mountains of RVing fun and excitement.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Director Of Events
July/August 2024
Thousands of RV enthusiasts will make their way to Central Oregon for FMCA’s 109th International Convention & RV Expo Presented By Beaver Coach Sales, August 14-17, 2024, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. The 340-acre facility, which opened in 2000, has hosted five previous FMCA conventions, the first in 2001 and the most recent in 2014. Its circular layout makes getting around the grounds a breeze, and the well-kept buildings and manicured lawns and landscapes give it a refreshingly upscale appeal.
While at the facility, attendees will enjoy incredible views of the Cascade Mountains to the west, including the Three Sisters, a trio of mountains you’ll swear are right outside your window. The Deschutes River winds between U.S. 97 and the mountain range, creating a natural playground for hikers, bikers, climbers, canoeists, and general outdoorsy folks.
ALL THINGS RV
The “Adventure Peaks” convention, like all FMCA international events, will offer attendees everything an RVer might want or need to elevate their travel experience. Looking to boost your RVing acumen? You’ll find more than 100 seminars covering a variety of topics. Whether you’d like to learn more about your RV’s house systems, receive travel safety info, discover destination details, find out about FMCA benefits, or just engage in fun activities that revolve around the travel lifestyle, we have a class for you.
You’ll also find a range of RV companies and industry experts in Redmond offering products, information, and advice to attendees. In need of a particular item for your home on wheels? Searching for a service or travel company to make your time on the road more convenient and worry-free? Visit the Exhibit Hall in the Middle Sister/South Sister buildings, where company reps can guide you to your RVing summit.
Maybe it’s not the travel “stuff” you need, but a new RV to reside in as you tour North America. An impressive assembly of display RVs from Beaver Coach Sales, National Indoor RV Centers, Oregon Motorcoach, and RV Country will be open and available for inspection. Kick the tires, open the cabinets, spread out on the bed. You might just find that home on wheels you’ve always dreamed of owning.
MUSIC, FUN, AND MORE
Seminars and shopping may be at the top of your to-do list while in Redmond, but plenty of other convention activities should grab your attention as well.
The fun will begin on Monday night as attendees gather for music, games, and more during the “Altitude Adjustment” party in and around the Kleen Tank Town Center in Mayfield Circle. The Substitutes, a local favorite, will provide the soundtrack, while outdoor games and a round or two of “Karaoke With A Keck” (led by FMCA member Lamar Keck) will keep folks smiling.
On Tuesday evening, Beaver Coach Sales, the title sponsor of the event, will host the “Welcome To Redmond” party featuring the Summer Groove Party Band. This high-energy group is sure to fill the dance floor with a playlist of good-time tunes from the 1950s to the present day.
Other evening entertainment will feature several of Central Oregon’s favorite groups. The Critical Blues Band will reprise hits from some of the genre’s greatest performers, such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Later in the week, Long Gone Wilder will have the First Interstate Bank Center shaking with rock ‘n’ roll favorites.
The “Evening Summit” Chapterfest on Saturday night will feature Heller Highwater, a cover band performing crowd pleasers — everything from R&B, rock, and country to pop and blues. You won’t be able to stay in your seat as this five-piece group hits the gas and gets the party rolling.
Look for terrific special entertainment performances on the Kleen Tank Town Center Stage as well, including the Northwest Musical Misfits, a Frustrated Maestros collection of musicians and singers with a fresh approach and contemporary sound that you are sure to enjoy.
If you’d rather be the star of the show, put “Karaoke With A Keck” on your schedule throughout the week. Or show your smarts during the FMCA Trivia Challenge, as host Jules Buckingham attempts to stump folks with all sorts of odd and interesting questions.
Looking for competition that requires athletic accuracy and a bit of skill? Then make sure to sign up for the Bean Bag Toss Tournament on Thursday. Winners will receive their prizes and pats on the back at about the same time the queue for the Ladies’ Luncheon forms. Those who have purchased tickets for the latter event will be treated to a delicious midday meal, light entertainment, and plenty of friendly discussion.
DRIVEN TO CARE
Giving back to the communities we visit has always been part of FMCA conventions. Several years ago, the Driven To Care campaign was established to raise money for a designated charity in the host area. Hospice of Redmond – Camp Sunrise has been selected as the beneficiary for the “Adventure Peaks” convention.
Camp Sunrise was founded with the understanding that every child deserves the opportunity to grieve for family members or friends in a safe, supportive, and understanding environment.
Children grieving a death can share their experiences with acceptance as they move through the healing process. Support for parents and caregivers further enhances the grieving child’s journey.
In Redmond, fundraising activities will include the Driven To Care Silent Auction. Attendees, chapters, and commercial members donate items to bid on during the event. The lucky winners make their donation and claim their items, with all proceeds going to Camp Sunrise. Also, make sure to sign up for the Magic Mile fun run/walk. Donate $10, get together with your friends, and traverse a one-mile circuit around the grounds. What could be better than an hour of healthy fun on a sunny Redmond morning as you help youngsters who are experiencing a difficult time?
In Redmond, we’re adding a third fundraising effort: the Driven To Care Charity Golf Outing on Friday, August 16, at the beautiful and challenging Juniper Golf Course adjacent to the fairgrounds. Players of all abilities will be grouped into foursomes for a great day of scramble golf with lots of fun and prizes. If a round of golf at a first-class course while chipping in to help kids in need sounds like a winning day, make sure to pack your clubs and sign up for this event.
COME TOGETHER, RIGHT NOW
With all the activities that take place during a convention, perhaps the most significant but least talked about are the social interactions that occur when thousands of RVers get together in one place. It’s always fun to connect with people who make traveling fun. What’s even better is meeting folks outside your established group, adding new friends to your social circle.
During the “Adventure Peaks” convention, you’ll have plenty of planned opportunities to fill your friends list with new names. On Tuesday afternoon, stop in at the Chapter Fair, where FMCA groups welcome potential members with information about the activities and fun they have at rallies and other get-togethers. And on Saturday evening, line the streets for — or participate in — the “Magic Mountain” Parade. It will be followed by the “Evening Summit” Chapterfest, where attendees will gather for one last hurrah with chapters and others before the convention concludes.
With all the social gatherings and entertainment, you’ll have the chance to bond with other attendees and establish relationships from the time you park until you pull in the awning, lock the storage bays, and get rolling to your next destination.
GET REGISTERED, GET READY FOR REDMOND
With so much planned — and plenty more that’s still in the works — we hope the “Adventure Peaks” convention will be an event folks talk about for years to come. If you want to be one of those talking about it, too, plan to be at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center this August to enjoy all the great times on tap. The registration form appears on page 35 of this issue. For more information, or to register, visit FMCA.com or give the Events Department a call at (800) 543-3622. See you in Redmond!